Relationships Matter

Whether you’re together or separated, the way you and your partner communicate can impact on your children.

All relationships have tricky moments it’s how they’re experienced and resolved that matters. Of course, disagreements and arguments are completely normal and part of everyday life but if it is becoming a problem you don’t need to weather the storm alone, help is available.

Visit Relationship Matters Website - a new partnership between 15 Councils across Yorkshire and the Humber Region helping families who may be having relationship difficulties.

Parental conflict is not the same as domestic abuse – if you are afraid of your partner or feeling that they control your life then this is more likely to be domestic abuse and support is available for you. Please seek help by:

Visiting the Domestic abuse | Sheffield City Council website
Calling the free Sheffield Domestic Abuse Helpline for local support and information Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm: 0808 808 2241.
Calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day)

In an emergency, when you or someone you know is at risk of immediate harm, call 999.

Parental Conflict

Do you recognise any of these signs?

Are you arguing, having rows, shouting all the time with each other about things like, money, how you parent or housework?
Are you worried about splitting up?
Is there sulking, silent treatment, slamming doors or walking away from each other?
Are you anxious or worried and is this getting in the way of managing everyday life?
Are you not able to say sorry after an argument and move on?
Are you using hurtful texts, emails or social media against each other?

Separating better: digital support for separating parents

Are you a parent going through separation?

Separating better is a brand-new mobile app, which can help guide you through the separation process, find effective ways of co-parenting, and sort out disagreements, all with the wellbeing of your child in mind.

Download the app for IOS

Download the app for Android

Sheffield Co-Parenting Programmes

As parents we all want the best for our children. That is why positive co-parenting is so important for the whole family even though it can be challenging at times. In Sheffield, we acknowledge this challenge and offer the following programs to provide support for you.

Family Communication Seminar

A practical seminar for parents and carers of school aged children. Why communication quality matters to your child’s education and how to create the best relationship environment for your children.

This seminar covers the following helpful topics:
• setting a good example for your child.
• home and school environments – how to help your child.
• what we do and say – the difference it can make.
• learn simple effective skills of being assertive to improve communication in your relationships.

To view dates and book a place on a seminar visit the Sheffield Parent Hub Eventbrite page

EPEC - Being a Parent Together Workshops

This workshop is for co-parenting couples to attend together who are either living together or apart. This is an opportunity to reflect on what is working well in the family, putting the children’s needs first and what areas could be further developed or changed. The workshop aims to improve child development and outcomes, parenting, family resilience and family relationships.

The Being a Parent Together workshop creates a trusting group ethos, where parents are encouraged and supported.

There are three workshops available:

Good enough parenting, working as a team and managing conflict
Understanding children's feelings and behaviours
Communication styles and I statements

Eventbrite - To view upcoming programmes

EPEC - Being a Parent Together Programme

This programme is for co-parenting couples to attend together who are either living together or apart. This is an opportunity to reflect on what is working well in the family, putting the children’s needs first and what areas could be further developed or changed. The programme aims to improve child development, parenting, family resilience and family relationships. The Being a Parent Together programme creates a trusting group ethos, where parents are encouraged and supported.

What's on - To see upcoming programme dates

Family Transitions

This is a programme for parents who want to support their child to cope with and understand separation or divorce. The programme looks at positive communication and relationships to help to adjust to the new family make up. It also includes lots of helpful resources around self care and managing stress.

Parents do not attend the same session as their ex-partner, but the sessions give parents the tools to help support them and their child/children during this difficult time.

Due to the nature of the programmes, dates for this aren't published. Email SheffieldParenting@sheffield.gov.uk to discuss a suitable programme.

Useful links

Supporting Separated Families Alliance: Sheffield - The Supporting Separated Families Alliance Sheffield is part of a national movement to bring together organisations, Family Courts, Local Government, and professionals to support parents and children going through family separation.